Laminoforaminotomy is a spine surgery performed to address a pinched nerve in the neck and resulting cervical radiculopathy; a type of neck pain that spreads (radiates) into the upper back, shoulder(s), and down the arm(s). Patients can experience electrical or radiating pain, numbness, and/or tingling down the arms, sometimes down to one or both hands. Patients may also suffer from weakness in the arms or hands. “Lamino” refers to the spine’s lamina; a thin plate of bone at the back of the neck that helps to protect the spinal canal. The goal of a laminoforaminotomy is to relieve nerve root compression (e.g., unpinch the exiting nerve root) and symptoms related to it. Laminoforaminotomy is generally performed as a minimally-invasive outpatient procedure, done through a “Band-Aid” incision. A Band-Aid incision, as the size of the incision is so small that once sutured, the wound can be covered with a small adhesive strip. To learn more about Dr. Stieber's NYC laminoforaminotomy, please reach out to us today.

“Foraminotomy” refers to the foramen; the spinal nerve root passageways. These passageways are naturally created at either side of the disc between two vertebral bodies. Sometimes these passageways are called neuroforamen (“neuro” means nerve). “Otomy” means ‘to cut’. During a foraminotomy, Dr. Stieber creates a small window in the lamina and removes the disc and/or bone spurs pressing on the nerve root. This increases the size of the neuroforamen and decompresses the nerve.

Cervical foraminal stenosis occurs when a disc herniation, osteoarthritis (spondylosis), spinal degenerative problems, and/or bone spurs (osteophytes) encroach into the neural foramen where the nerve exits and can cause neck radiculopathy. Symptoms of cervical radiculopathy may include pain in the shoulders, upper back, neck, hands, and arms. Other symptoms may include weakness, numbness, tingling and/or sensations of “pins and needles”.

Not every patient with a neck problem will require spine surgery. Dr. Stieber may recommend laminoforaminotomy for the following reasons: if non-operative treatment fails to relieve symptoms, progressive worsening of neurologic symptoms or pain, and/or serious neurological problems. Loss of function, numbness, and weakness are examples of neurologic dysfunction.

About Laminoforaminotomy

Dr. Stieber's NYC laminoforaminotomy is performed under general anesthesia. In preparation for the surgery, the neck is shaved, cleaned, and prepared. The surgery is generally performed with the patient face down on the operating table. A special computerized monitoring system checks the spinal cord and nerve function throughout the procedure to prevent any injury.

The procedure is customarily performed by approaching the spine from behind (posterior) using minimally invasive techniques. A sophisticated operative microscope enables Dr. Stieber to perform the procedure under excellent direct visualization with enhanced magnification and illumination. Dr. Stieber will determine which surgical approach is best and discuss the entire procedure with the patient well in advance of the scheduled surgery date.

Fluoroscopy (real-time x-ray) captures pictures of the patient’s anatomy before, during, and after surgery. Whether the procedure is performed in an open manner or using minimally invasive surgical instruments and techniques, part of the lamina is removed to expose the tissue that has been compressing nerve structures. Dr. Stieber removes disc, bone, and/or other tissue that is crowding nerves in the neuroforamen. When the procedure is complete, the wound is closed and bandaged.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Pinched Nerves Go Away On Their Own?

A “pinched nerve” in the neck will often require surgical intervention to resolve, particularly when radiating pain is caused by the compressed nerve structures. Advances in medical science allows this painful condition to be resolved with minimally-invasive treatment called laminoforaminotomy to remove the tissue compressing the nerve structures.

What Will Happen If A Pinched Nerve Goes Untreated?

Unfortunately, if a pinched nerve is left untreated, the condition can advance, leading to permanent nerve damage with the potential for numbness, weakness, and/or pain. It is often necessary for treatment to be performed early for a fast and full recovery.

Will An MRI Show A Pinched Nerve?

An MRI identifies changes in the spine that have been caused by disease, aging, or trauma. This test can reveal a range of spinal conditions, including the presence of a pinched nerve.

Will A Chiropractor Be Able To Fix A Pinched Nerve?

Radiculopathy, or a “pinched nerve”, is a symptom related to compression on a nerve root. While chiropractic treatment may relieve the symptoms in some minor cases, if the compression is the result of a narrowing of the spinal canal, disc herniation, or bone spurs, one will often require surgical treatment.

Can A Pinched Nerve Cause Paralysis?

If left untreated, a pinched nerve can lead to very serious symptoms. The narrowing of the spinal canal that protects the nerves may first lead to numbness, tingling, pain, discomfort, or other symptoms. If left untreated, nerve compression can lead to permanent neurologic injury and weakness. It is imperative in these cases that treatment be performed in the early stages to protect your overall health.

After Surgery

Once surgery has been completed, the patient is moved into the recovery area. In recovery, nurses and other members of the medical team closely monitor the patient’s vital signs – pulse, respiration, blood pressure, and pain. Some post-operative pain is to be expected and patients receive pain medication either through their IV (intravenous line) or orally.

A post-operative cervical brace or soft collar may be prescribed for a short time period after surgery to help immobilize and support the neck while healing.
Patients generally go home the same day their surgery is performed. Dr. Stieber will discuss the likelihood of hospitalization with patients before their scheduled surgery date.

After Care at Home

Dr. Stieber provides his New York laminoforaminotomy patients with information about what to expect and self-care after hospital discharge. This information includes instructions on how to control pain, any prescribed medications, use of a brace and care (if applicable), diet and managing constipation, bathing, incision care, activity restrictions, and any surgical follow-up appointments. As always, Dr. Stieber and his staff welcome questions and ensure that all patient concerns are thoroughly addressed.

Laminoforaminotomy